ZWO ASI482MC Color Astrophotography Camera

The ZWO ASI482MC is a powerhouse for astrophotography, designed to deliver exceptional performance for both deep-sky imaging and planetary capture. With its ultra-sensitive Sony IMX482 sensor, large 5.8μm pixels, and an extended full well capacity, this one-shot color camera provides outstanding low-light performance and reduced noise—perfect for those looking to take their imaging to the next level.

A Next-Generation Sensor with Expanded Capability

At the heart of the ASI482MC is Sony’s IMX482 back-illuminated CMOS sensor, a significant step forward from previous generations. With a 1/1.2” sensor size and an impressive 5.8μm pixel size, the camera delivers high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range, making it ideal for capturing stunning deep-sky objects as well as high-resolution planetary images.

Unlike many planetary cameras that suffer from limited well depth, the ASI482MC boasts an impressive 51.5Ke full well capacity, significantly reducing overexposure in bright targets like the Moon and planets. This translates to smoother gradations and improved contrast across the image, allowing for a more natural, high-dynamic-range appearance in final processed images.

Exceptional Low-Light Performance for Deep Sky Imaging

The ASI482MC is built to excel in low-light conditions thanks to its BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) architecture. This design improves photon efficiency, allowing more light to be captured with minimal noise. When paired with the ultra-low read noise of 1.5e, the result is exceptionally clean data even when imaging faint nebulae and galaxies under dark sky conditions.

Flexible ROI Mode for Versatile Imaging

A standout feature of the ASI482MC is its Region of Interest (ROI) functionality, which allows users to crop the sensor readout to a smaller region, boosting the frame rate while maintaining high resolution. This makes it a superb choice for planetary imaging, where high-speed data acquisition is crucial to capturing fine details before atmospheric turbulence distorts the image.

At full resolution, the camera delivers smooth, high-quality imaging, ensuring detailed planetary and lunar captures. When cropped to a smaller region, the ASI482MC achieves even faster frame rates, making it an excellent tool for high-speed planetary and lunar imaging.

High Quantum Efficiency for Enhanced Signal Capture

Quantum Efficiency (QE) plays a crucial role in a camera’s ability to capture faint details, and the ASI482MC does not disappoint. Its peak QE is over 85%, ensuring that more of the incoming light is converted into usable data. This makes it a fantastic option for capturing deep-sky objects with long exposures while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio.

USB 3.0 and ST4 Guiding for Seamless Performance

ZWO equips the ASI482MC with USB 3.0 connectivity, allowing high-speed data transfer without bottlenecks. This ensures smooth capture, whether you're shooting high-speed planetary videos or deep-sky long exposures. The ST4 guiding port allows the camera to function as a dedicated autoguider when paired with a compatible mount, making it a versatile tool for both imaging and guiding applications.

Perfect for EAA and Live Stacking

With its combination of large sensor size, low noise, and high sensitivity, the ASI482MC is also a great choice for Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA). The camera excels in live stacking applications, delivering near real-time images of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. Whether you’re engaging in live public outreach or simply enjoying an enhanced visual experience from your backyard, the ASI482MC provides stunning results in seconds.

Final Thoughts

The ZWO ASI482MC is a high-performance CMOS camera that brings together the best of planetary and deep-sky imaging in a single package. Whether you’re capturing fine details on Jupiter, exploring lunar craters in high resolution, or diving into deep-sky astrophotography, this camera offers a perfect balance of sensitivity, resolution, and speed.

Backed by ZWO’s cutting-edge sensor technology and robust support for astrophotography software, the ASI482MC is an excellent choice for amateur and advanced astrophotographers alike. If you’re looking to upgrade your imaging setup with a camera that can do it all, the ASI482MC is ready to deliver.

Specifications at a Glance

• Sensor: Sony IMX482 CMOS (Back-Illuminated)
• Resolution: 1920x1080 (Full Frame 2MP)
• Pixel Size: 5.8μm
• Sensor Size: 1/1.2”
• Full Well Capacity: 51.5Ke
• Read Noise: 1.5e – 3.1e
• Quantum Efficiency: >85% Peak
• Frame Rate: 60 FPS at full resolution
• Connectivity: USB 3.0, ST4 Guiding Port
• Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux (via ZWO ASCOM drivers & software)

Elevate your astrophotography with the ZWO ASI482MC—a camera built to unlock the cosmos with stunning clarity and precision.

Drivers and Software:

The ZWO website has the newest camera drivers and many DSO and Planetary capture software choices available.. Please make sure the newest driver and software has been installed before you start imaging:

https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/software/

One of the coolest gadgets, and a neccessity according to a majority of ZWO users, is the ASIAIR PLUS.  It is an all-in-one wireless camera solution.  The ASIair plus gives you control of focus, image taking, plate solving, and computerized mount control with the included SkySafari bridge all controlled by your smartdevice or tablet.  It really is pretty awesome.

Looking to get an electronic auto focus for your rig?  Check out the ZWO EAF.